Allow MAS flight attendants to use the hijab, urges Umno Youth

KUALA LUMPUR - Muslim female flight attendants working with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) should be given the option to wear the hijab, suggested Umno Youth.

"Those who wish to cover their aurat should be allowed to do so," said the movement's head Khairy Jamaluddin while chairing an Umno Youth exco meeting yesterday.

A local daily reported that Umno Youth exco member Dazma Shah Daud had urged MAS to make it compulsory for Muslim female flight attendants to wear the hijab, and that the airline should stop serving alcohol.

Dazma, however, clarified his earlier statement, saying what he had meant was that those who want to wear the syariah compliant attire should be allowed to do so as some Muslim flight attendants were already donning the hijab when they were not flying.

He said the practice of banning the hijab for Muslim female flight attendants was discriminatory.

He also suggested that MAS alter the uniforms for Muslim female flight attendants so that they could wear the hijab with it.

Dazma also said Muslim flight attendants should be allowed to opt out of serving alcohol to passengers.

He said that the job of serving alcohol could be handled by non-Muslim flight attendants.